A think tank group has urged the private sector to take a more proactive role in driving the digital transformation of Philippine public schools through the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Adopt-a-School Program.
The Stratbase Institute highlighted the critical need for broadband connectivity, updated and maintained ICT (information and communication technology) facilities, and improving the teachers skills to address the digital divide and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.
“The digital transformation of our public schools is no longer an option, but an urgent necessity.
Modernizing our ICT infrastructure, ensuring reliable broadband connectivity, and equipping our teachers with digital skills are foundational steps to elevate our students’ learning competencies,” said Stratbase president Prof. Victor Andres Manhit.
In a statement, Manhit said the Adopt-a-School Law provides an effective framework for private sector participation by offering tax incentives of up to 150 percent of the value of their contributions.
“This is an opportunity for businesses to contribute not only to the welfare of their host communities but also to the development of a digitally enabled population—a strategic imperative for global competitiveness,” he said.
In a separate statement, CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor, Tim Abejo, echoed Stratbase’s proposal, underscoring the critical role of telecommunications companies in driving the nation’s progress.
“Telcos play a crucial role in the digital transformation of the country. The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) must be strictly implemented to prevent delays in digital infrastructure projects,” Abejo said.
He pointed out that in today’s connected and AI-driven world, digital infrastructure is the “most important form of infrastructure.”
Abejo pointed out that anyone who hinders connectivity specially on the ground level is “anti-progress,” adding that “LGUs (local government units) should tow the line and stop creating obstructions or local regulatory roadblocks.
“Any aspect that hinders connectivity is a blight to progress,” he stressed.
Manhit highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to align with government initiatives such as DepEd Digital Education 2028, CHED’s Higher Education Digital Integration, and TESDA’s Digital Skills Training in Technical and Vocational Education.
These programs, he said, represent a unified effort to prepare Filipinos for a digitally empowered and globally competitive workforce.
Abejo tied these efforts to the broader goals of national economic development. “All initiatives of the President to attract foreign investments and boost sustainable growth will remain a dream if we cannot make connectivity happen in our country. This must be done now!” he said.
Abejo stressed that telcos provide the connectivity that drives progress and that without robust digital infrastructure, the country’s ambitions for sustainable growth and development would falter.
Manhit further emphasized the importance of readiness in achieving digital transformation. He called for unified action among the national and local government, private sector, and civil society to create an education system that not only nurtures students but also develops future leaders capable of leveraging technology for innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth.
For his part, Abejo noted that digital infrastructure is central to national progress and economic resilience. “Telcos provide connectivity, and connectivity drives progress. We must recognize that without robust digital infrastructure, our ambitions for the future cannot materialize,” he said.